Western Growers' new HR official to open program

Karen Timmins, newly hired vice president of human resources for Western Growers, will deliver the welcome address at the general session of WG's annual Human Resources Conference, “Scouting HR Solutions,” Sept. 7-9 at Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite National Park.

The three-day event, for human resources professionals in the agriculture industry, features a Ropes Challenge course, timely topics and expert guest speakers.

“I think we've really captured the most relevant topics for our industry,” said Monica Field, Western Growers vice president of underwriting. “Attendees will take away the latest information on employee-employer topics and come away rejuvenated, bringing back some great ideas for their own companies.”

Timmins will speak on “The Challenges of Being a HR Professional,” at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8. Timmins recently has been assistant vice president of human resources for American First Credit Union.

The HR Challenge Course, a hands-on physical exercise, will take place at 12:45 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8 and promises to improve communication skills, build teamwork and expand creative thinking abilities.

WG Executive Vice President Jasper Hempel will deliver the keynote luncheon address, “What To Look For Legislatively in 2004,” at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8. Hempel will discuss proposed legislation and what is on the horizon for the agriculture industry in California and Arizona, including the impact of the mandatory arbitration law.

Management consultant Peter Stark, will discuss “Leadership” as the keynote morning speaker at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9. He will also speak on “Communicating Change” at the general session at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9. Stark will teach attendees to thrive on change and seize it as an opportunity to learn, grow and improve their organization.

Other sessions include Managing Health Care Costs; Controlling Your Workers' Compensation Costs; OSHA Compliance and Cultural Diversity in the Workplace. For a complete schedule, to register for the conference or for more information visit <<a href="http://www.wga.com/" target="_blank">http://www.wga.com/> www.wga.com or call WG's Virginia Mendiola at 949-885-2341.